What?

We're Max & Tom and we're hiking 14 National Trail footpaths around the UK.

A total of 2422 miles.

Equivalent to walking from London to Edinburgh 7 times
A total elevation equal to summiting Everest approximately 8 times.
Raising money for two charities that are close to us, Reach and Mind.

Why?

Why not? In 2017 we completed the 2,189 mile Appalachian Trail and it ruined our life... In the best possible way! It showed us another way of living. A simpler life that was closer to nature that gave us more purpose.

We waved goodbye to 9-5 a long time ago with our hearts set on a life that centres around wellbeing, happiness and nature. We've recently embarked on vanlife and since Covid put many things on pause, have reset and restarted our #WalkforGood mission.

Our Walk for Good is to raise money and awareness of upper limb difference for the charity Reach and to promote getting out in nature for physical and mental health and to raise money for Mind, the mental health charity.

When we’re out in nature and walking, it’s our form of therapy. It forces us to surrender to a slower pace, it enables us to enjoy the small moments which always feels more rewarding, and it relaxes the mind and body. We have time to talk, release stress and anxiety, and there, in that place of content tiredness we find perspective – walking restores our balance and gives us a sense of purpose.

Why Mind?

I (Tom) chose the charity Mind because mental health is something that has affected me, as well as the people closest to me, which may be a surprise to some. I’ve not talked about it a lot, but I, like many, have experienced times of depression and anxiety which can be truly debilitating, stripping you of your personality. You can’t see an escape and the negative thoughts lead you to a dark place full of questions, about life and your place in it. I truly believe that today’s culture only adds to this anxiety, with intense pressures to ‘succeed’ which inevitably means a life of stress. 

Mental health is as important as physical health and issues such as anxiety, depression and PTSD are very real illnesses, so we need to keep talking about it and supporting charities like Mind who help and support those in need. 

Follow our journey...
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ittakesajourney
Website - www.ittakesajourney.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNrnz3O7ZvnMKY8XHHjf_yA